When anticipating giving birth for the first time, I couldn’t have imagined just how crucial Tynesha’s role would be at my natural birth. Our prenatal sessions were informative and important for building a rapport that enabled her to support me exactly as I needed during my labor. During contractions, she offered pain relief by using counter-pressure techniques and heat application, as well as massage between contractions for my aching back. She anticipated my needs to suggest new positions and helped me establish a focal point (a candle) that became critical to staying calm during intense contractions and during the pushing phase. She supported my husband throughout the process as well, guiding him in assisting me. I labored at the natural birth center for 30 hours before giving birth, and Tynesha stayed by my side for almost the entire time - taking only a few very short rest breaks for herself - never showing me her fatigue but always providing calm, steady encouragement. The emotional support she provided reassured me when I felt overwhelmed. In addition to the important help she offered during my labor, Tynesha’s prenatal and postpartum visits have been wonderful. She has given me many ideas for caring for myself and my new baby as well as hands on support at my home. She provided a referral to a lactation consultant by contacting the consultant on my behalf with all of the information she had collected regarding my breastfeeding, streamlining the process. Her detailed written notes on my labor proved valuable as well when I had questions weeks after giving birth. I also need to say that Tynesha has a great sense of humor! Our appointments were truly fun and we shared lots of laughs, which has been especially important to me amid the challenges of the postpartum period.
— Mary L.
